Population density does not affect seasonal regulation of reproductive physiology in male water voles. (22nd February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Poissenot, Kevin; Moussu, Chantal; Brachet, Morgane; Chesneau, Didier; Chemineau, Philippe; Lainé, Anne-Lyse; Migaud, Martine; Charbonnel, Nathalie; Keller, Matthieu
• Is Part Of: Biology letters. Volume 19:Number 2(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-22
• Subjects: population density -- reproduction -- Arvicola terrestris -- seasonality -- dynamic cycles; Biology -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0441
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-9561

Abstract

Abstract : Most small rodent species display cyclic fluctuations in their population density. The mechanisms behind these cyclical variations are not yet clearly understood. Density-dependent effects on reproductive function could affect these population variations. The fossorial water vole ecotype, Arvicola terrestris, exhibits multi-year cyclical dynamics with outbreak peaks. Here, we monitored different water vole populations over 3 years, in spring and autumn, to evaluate whether population density is related to male reproductive physiology. Our results show an effect of season and inter-annual factors on testis mass, plasmatic testosterone level, and androgen-dependent seminal vesicle mass. By contrast, population density does not affect any of these parameters, suggesting a lack of modulation of population dynamics by population density.